Bahamas
March On, Bahamaland
1973
1973
Timothy Gibson
Timothy Gibson
✝ God / Faith 🤝 Unity ❤ Love of homeland 🌅 Hope |
Context
Written and composed by Timothy Gibson, the anthem was adopted upon the Bahamas' independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973. The anthem reflects optimism about the new nation's future and calls on citizens to march forward together in unity toward shared goals.
Lyrics
Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;
March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.
See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!
Pledge to excel through love and unity.
Pressingonward, march together to a common loftier goal;
Steady sunward, tho' the weather hide the wide and treacherous shoal.
Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;
'Til the road you've trod lead unto your God,
March on, Bahamaland.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Timothy Gibson wrote both the lyrics and the music, making him one of the few people to single-handedly create an entire national anthem
- • The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands and cays, though only about 30 are inhabited
- • The anthem was chosen from entries submitted in a national competition ahead of independence in 1973